An AC/DC converter includes: a first terminal and a second terminal for receiving an AC voltage and a third terminal and a fourth terminal for supplying a DC voltage. A rectifying bridge includes input terminals respectively coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal, and output terminals respectively coupled to the third terminal and fourth terminal. A first branch of the rectifying bridge includes, connected between the output terminals, two series-connected thyristors with a junction point of the two thyristors being connected to a first one of the input terminals. A second branch of the rectifying bridge is formed by series connected diodes. A control circuit is configured to generate control signals for application to the control gates of the thyristors.